Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation refers to the transplantation of living cells (eg, in tissue or organs) from one species to another (for example from an animal to a human). A problem with xenotransplantation is the transmission of animal viruses to humans. Organ transplants are not yet possible, because there will be rejection reactions in humans. These rejections can only be prevented if the immune responses are strongly suppressed. However, this increases the risk of infection with other diseases. The research in this area is, however, very strong run, since there is very little donor organs, but a lot of people who need such.